Problems · NHTSA complaints
2019 Subaru Legacy problems
Owners filed 123 complaints about the 2019 Subaru Legacy with NHTSA between Nov 2018 and Jul 2026. The most-cited component is visibility/wiper (49).
Complaints
123
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
2
Reported by owners
Fires
1
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Visibility/wiper49
- Electrical system35
- Engine6
- Forward collision avoidance5
- Vehicle speed control4
- Fuel/propulsion system4
- Steering3
- Visibility2
- Back over prevention2
- Service brakes2
- Lane departure1
- Power train1
- Latches/locks/linkages1
- Tires1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 28, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
2
13
25
15
14
16
22
10
6
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2018 | 2 |
| 2019 | 13 |
| 2020 | 25 |
| 2021 | 15 |
| 2022 | 14 |
| 2023 | 16 |
| 2024 | 22 |
| 2025 | 10 |
| 2026 | 6 |
Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.
Top problems in owners’ words
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
Visibility/wiper
49 reports
“We had to replace the car’s original windshield due to a stone hitting it on the highway- just bad luck and something that happens from time to time. Since then, we’ve had TWO replacement windshields spontaneously crack without any impacts in the span of 3 weeks. Subaru has a major problem. These windshields are not supposed to be disposable, and no one has time or money enough to replace windshields on a weekly basis. There is clearly a defect in the windshields, their mounting, or something that needs to be corrected. This represents a major safety issue for drivers.”
Electrical system
35 reports
“Due to a dead battery issue in 2025, I bought a new battery. A year later, the car wouldn't start & I finally got it jumped. Ran fine for 3 weeks, then wouldn't start again. I brought car back to the Interstate battery shop, who tested the alternator, which was fine, but he said the battery was appearing low. After researching this problem, I discovered there's a known issue that the battery dies due to a parasitic draw. Subaru knows there is a problem but refuses to correct the issues. The dealer I bought the car from neglected to tell me there was an existing issue and will be happy to charge me $500+ to diagnose. This is a major defect on Subaru's part, and all future buyers should be aware of it!”
Engine
6 reports
“The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment, and the vehicle intermittently stalled. The contact stated that seconds later, the vehicle returned to normal operation. No warning lights were illuminated. The failure reoccurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken back to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact researched and became aware of an unknown NHTSA Campaign Number; however, the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 15,000.”
Forward collision avoidance
5 reports2 crashes
“My vehicle light is on keeps saying oil at temp as well as other lights are currently turn on. I took it to subaru location was informed my transmission was bad. But the car drives well just have a bunch of lights.”
Vehicle speed control
4 reports2 crashes
“Unintended acceleration, on 2 occasions. First occasion, car was in DRIVE waiting at a traffic stop and the engine radically increased it's RPM from idle to over 6000 RPM, remaining there. Braking control maintained the automobile's position. Shifting the car into neutral caused RPM to increase further. The car was shut off, restarted, and seemed to function normally. On the second occasion, which occurred later the same day, the car was off and then started, and while still in PARK with my foot on the brake immediately jumped to over 6000, remaining there. Once again the car was shut off, restarted, and seemed to work normally. It was taken directly (and slowly) to the manufacturer's service center at my local Subaru dealership. They have not been able to re-create the problem as of this date.”
Fuel/propulsion system
4 reports
“I am reporting a safety issue with my 2019 Subaru Legacy that hesitates and nearly stalls when accelerating from a stop and is now undriveable due to stalling and shaking. I bought the car new from AutoNation Subaru Carlsbad in 2019. It has about 65,000 miles and I have driven it less than 2,000 miles since its last dealer visit in August 2025. Since around August 2025, the car has intermittently lost power under light acceleration from a stop or low speed, especially while pulling into or through intersections. Pressing the accelerator sometimes produces very little power, the engine feels like it may stall, and traffic behind me must brake or go around me, creating a risk of a rear‑end collision in intersections. In August 2025 I took the car to AutoNation Subaru Carlsbad and reported that the symptoms seemed like a fuel pump problem (my independent mechanic agreed). The dealer kept the car for about two weeks, experienced the hard‑starting/turn‑over issue, but did not test or replace the fuel pump. They performed other services, charged me $1,956.21, and returned the vehicle without fixing the safety issue, even though they later acknowledged the fuel pump…”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 2026
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.